Valencia CF Official Statement

Due to the unilateral change of kick-off time for the Rayo Vallecano vs. Valencia CF game from 12pm to 9pm on March 2nd, Valencia Club de Fútbol lament the lack of consideration shown by the LFP and its President, Javier Tebas, to our club and our fans who have organised a mass trip to the Vallecas stadium. Without any prior communication, the LFP have decided to modify the timetable to accommodate the Villarreal CF vs. Real Betis match at midday, according to the written announcement sent to the club “due to a planned homage to the civic behaviour of fans of Villarreal C.F. SAD, to be attended by diverse authorities.” As a result of this change, a large majority of the hundreds of Valencianistas who had previously been able to attend the game at Vallecas –according to the timetable made official by the LFP on February 5th- have had to cancel their plans.

Valencia Club de Fútbol understand that, once kick-off times have been set officially, only a force majeur should result in this timetable being modified. The club objects to times being modified to simply, as in the case in point, accomodate the agendas of authorities or homages to fans from third parties separate from Valencia CF or Rayo Vallecano. This opinion has been communicated by VCF President Amadeo Salvo to the President of the LFP, without any rectification or preoccupation for the inconvenience caused to supporters of Valencia CF.

The LFP, with their actions, have demonstrated a lack of sensitivity to Valencia CF and a lack of respect for the Competition, its followers and supporters in general. A serious and prestigious Liga BBVA begins with a respect for the stated timetable. A process of consensual decision making, in which the good of the majority of the clubs involved should be prioritised in the case of modifications affecting clubs and fans, should be in place.

Valencia CF will not participate in the LFP Assembly which takes place in Valencia on February 25th, unless the LFP provide a rectification for recent events.

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Photographs by Lázaro de la Peña, re-use is not permitted.